By VERNON SMALL deputy political editor
Departing National deputy leader Wyatt Creech thinks a few "seat-warming" colleagues might like to follow him.
Mr Creech, a list MP, will quit as deputy leader now and leave Parliament at the 2002 election after 15 years in the House.
He said other long-serving politicians should examine their motives for staying and whether they were making a contribution.
"If you are just staying here for the income, or to serve out time without making a contribution, you'd have to ask that question of yourself."
Some were just marking time, but he would not name names.
Mr Creech, who is 54, decided to step down during a visit to relatives in the United States.
He arrived back yesterday and immediately called a press conference in Parliament.
A veteran MP with stints in cabinet and as Deputy Prime Minister (after the break-up of the coalition with New Zealand First), he said he would devote his remaining time in Wellington to helping National prepare for the 2002 election.
Leaving was a difficult decision, because he had the support of caucus colleagues and he had enjoyed opposition last year.
But he was looking forward to "life after politics," which had kept him apart from his family during five terms in office.
He said National needed a vigorous new team and a new policy approach geared to the 21st century to win in 2002.
"I don't believe that the old [National] Government will be re-elected."
Seen as a pragmatist within National, Mr Creech said the party should adopt policies to deliver significantly faster economic growth and full employment.
It also needed to bring the country together, he said, endorsing former Treaty Negotiations Minister Doug Graham's approach to Waitangi settlements.
He is understood to have been uncomfortable with the more abrasive style on Treaty issues adopted by National and leader Jenny Shipley in Opposition.
Mrs Shipley paid tribute to him, saying his contribution was underscored by the fact that no one would have tried to unseat him if he had not quit.
Mr Creech confirmed that he had not been pushed. But sources said that by publicly pondering about his future he had increased expectations that he should go now.
He said his proudest achievement was "setting a standard for working constructively, not being antagonistic."
"It doesn't get you headlines, but it achieves a lot within political parties. All political parties need a few people like that."
Those who worked most closely with him, however, point to his refusal to give ground to former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson in her heyday, and his work as education minister in improving the appalling relationship between National and the education sector.
Outside Parliament he has developed a reputation as a dour second-fiddle to Mrs Shipley.
But colleagues say that in private he loves guitar-playing, Bob Dylan and bluegrass music, and has a quirky nature.
The caucus will vote next week on his successor.
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